Spatially coupled low-density parity-check codes can be decoded using a graph-based message passing algorithm applied across the total length of the coupled graph. However, considering practical constraints on decoding latency and complexity, a sliding window decoding approach is normally preferred. In order to reduce decoding complexity compared with standard parallel decoding schedules, serial s

The object of this study was to determine the association between tender point pain ratings, tender point counts and distress in people with fibromyalgia and to review the pharmacotherapy of fibromyalgia. Demographic, psychosocial, and health status information was collected from 316 health maintenance organization members with fibromyalgia. A manual tender point exam was conducted. Tender point c

BACKGROUND: Community studies have documented prevalence rates of psychological disorders among older individuals. Further, a growing number of studies have examined depression in older medical patients. However, little is known about the prevalence of a broad range of psychological disorders and psychosocial stressors among older primary care patients. The purpose of the present study was to char

BACKGROUND: Distress-driven symptoms are prevalent among older primary care patients and account for a large percentage of office visits and increased medical costs. An experimental written self-disclosure protocol has been shown to reduce symptoms and use of health care services in healthy adults. Written self-disclosure as a method for reducing symptoms has not been evaluated in the primary care

OBJECTIVE: The Quality of Well-being Scale (QWB) is a generic measure of health related quality of life that can be used for population monitoring, measurement of clinical outcomes, or cost effectiveness analysis. We report data on the validity of the QWB for patients with fibromyalgia (FM) and compare the effect of FM to that of other chronic diseases.METHODS: The participants were 594 people rec

In 2 studies with a total of over 300 participants, the Epstein Creativity Competencies Inventory for Individuals (ECCI-i) was shown to be a reliable measuring instrument. In the first of these studies, the test was also shown to be a valid predictor of 2 measures of creative expression. The test is derived from empirical research on the creative process in individuals, which suggests that creativ

The primary goal of this workshop was to identify the most appropriate method to estimate the potential effect of reduction in sodium consumption on mortality. Difficulty controlling hypertension at the individual level has motivated international, federal, state, and local efforts to identify and implement population-wide strategies to better control this problem; reduction of sodium intake is on

Public perception of the underlying causes of anthropogenic climate change is a complex and subjective issue that is critical to effective risk communication. This issue is important to scientists and policymakers because of the role of individual perceptions in influencing their protective behaviour towards risk (e.g., the adoption of climate risk reduction and mitigation strategies). This cross-

The aim of this study is to define and further the understanding of the practice of lobbying as it manifests in the participants’ interactions with each other and to identify its specific conditions (rules, standards, traits).A research overview shows that lobbying as a political phenomenon is well researched, but that the action per se tends to been taken for granted as ‘talking’. Communication b

Circular business models are considered to be one of the key building blocks in the transition to a Circular Economy, but the viability of such business models is often dependent upon supporting policies. Relevant policies include support for waste infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, taxes and charges, and various informative instruments. This contribution reviews the literature on circular eco

Innovations in the lighting sector, such as LED-based light sources, have opened up unprecedented possibilities to both save energy and improve the quality of lighting. There is growing evidence of light's importance for human health, moods, work productivity and quality of life in general; but the uptake of new solutions is still rather slow in society. The public sector can play an important rol

This paper presents a general overview of WEEE and value considerations (both real and potential) as well as the specific results of a research project analysing the performance of EPR systems for lighting products, with particular focus on closing material loops. The research is based on a literature review, case studies, and interviews with key stakeholders. The case of recovery of rare earths e